Chapter 12

Chapter 12

 

 

NAHELIM to CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK 11TH SEPTEMBER 2008

 

Next morning, after a wonderful restful night, I woke in these beautiful surroundings. I can’t believe that Bonnie trusted me with this beautiful apartment. But she did, and I am eternally grateful.

Back to the same eating house that had no food last night, to the biggest breakfast yet (they must have had a word with the chickens and the pancake fairy in the night!).

I said my goodbyes to Bonnie and headed out on the trail again suitably fed and ready for the road. 

It was a good spin for about 25 miles to the town of Tillamook. The place of good cheese. I stopped for a tour around the cheese factory. My first touristy adventure. I got some samples bought some nice bread and had a feast on the green outside. I don’t know why I went there. It just fitted the day. Thought might stay the night but decided to push on after the bread and cheese. Good energy food.

Out of Tilmahook I took the Three Capes scenic route over a series of moderate climbs. My book says I should stop at Neharts for food for the night because food stores were scarce in this neck of the woods. But I had to back track a mile or so to get there. 

It was a total disappointment! One small grocery store with practically nothing in it. Got a tin of spaghetti and meat balls and a Gatorade (becoming my drink of choice) and a jam tart. In camping mode I will eat anything in any combination. With supplies on board I'm headed for the Cape Lookout State Park. I had met a German cyclist, Helmut, earlier on the road heading in my direction and he was there in the campground when I arrived with a guy from Wyoming called Jimmy. Jimmy had already cycled 1500 miles and was heading for San Francisco. Then a girl arrived travelling alone from Seattle going to San Francisco too.

We all camped close together in the park as we were the only travellers there. The girl said she was going to the beach to make her dinner and invited us all to join her. I trudged off down with my bit of food and found her at a picnic table overlooking the sea and we all shared our dinners on the beach. Mosquitoes were rampant, but I was well prepared for them this time. They were not having me again. Completely covered myself in clothes and mozzie spray. There was a beautiful sunset over the Pacific and we had a nice evening. We all strolled back to the tents and by 8.30 we were sound asleep. I slept on and off till 7.45 am. Great! I’m getting so used to this camping and its really great. There is almost always some social interaction between campers. Unlike the impersonal hotel/motels

I guys said I will hit a mother of a climb as soon as I leave the campground. Maybe I was dreaming of that.

The guys were up and de-camping the next morning when I surfaced, the girl was gone already. They left knowing we will probably hook up in some other campsite down the road.

 

 

Comments

Pauline said: Sorry it's taken so long to post but had a problem with the internet at home - sorted now as you can see. Also, I went back to work full time this week so do think of me while you’re rolling along... It's great to read all about your days I didn't realize you were so funny, but then you have probably been overshadowed by us all these years...ha ha. Well today I woke up to a lovely sunny morning, had shreddies for breakfast then legged it out the door for the long arduous drive to the office, past office blocks and houses - amazing...had a great day at the office with meeting after meeting after meeting. Quick jaunt out for pub lunch in the country then back to the office for more meetings. Wasn't sure I could make it but managed to drive home and stop at Sainsburys on the way for a couple of bottles of wine and then home in time for tea. Miss you loads but delighted your living the adventure. Love you loads Pauline

 

Piroska said: Cape Lookout: do they still have the stairs to go up on and then down to the beach? We camped there, when my younger son was 6 mo. old, which would make it 23 years ago. It's great that you are camping. That's how you'll meet a bunch of like-minded characters. Love to read your adventures/progress

 

John replied: hi Pauline, good to hear from you. Love to Marco and the boys. Sounds a beach to be back in the thick of things. But you enjoy it. You know you do.

Hey Piroska, no you get down the best you can. There are a couple of paths. Showers are hard to find in the trees. Sunsets are great though’. Mosquitoes are rampant. Camping is great but only if you can look forward to a nice comfortable hotel/motel.

 

Richard at “Art Happens” 

Bonnie told me all about you and your fun journey...what a trip!!!! Here is a link to a GREAT place to stay in Yachats… http://www.oceanhaven.com/.... The Shags Nest is a small cabin on a bluff overlooking the Ocean, with a large picture window and a fireplace and a good bed...no mosquitoes, if you close the door!!! It’s several miles south of town and not sure if they serve any food, so stock up or ask them but do try and stay there.... it’s wonderful...be sure and call in advance.... if you have time, we would recommend a jet boat tour of the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. Good going to you and we'll watch your progress from Nehalem. Thanks for stopping here.

John replied: Richard and Bonnie, That’s great. I will contact them. That’s exactly what I need. Good contacts. If it’s 1/4 as good as your place it will be great. I still have that music of yours in my ears and 

I know when I get home it will be one of the highlights. Thank you for your hospitality. The best so far by a long way...